TN univs yet to evolve online test with invigilation

TN univs yet to evolve online test with invigilation

Ragu.Raman@timesgroup.com

10.04.2021

Universities in the state are yet to evolve a foolproof system to properly monitor online exams due to lack of infrastructure and connectivity. Given the second surge in Covid-19 cases, the coming semester exams, partly online, are set to begin in the first week of May.

Question papers will be mailed to students who will write them on paper and post answer scripts to colleges. There is no monitoring. In some cases, students are allowed to send answer scripts a day later.

Earlier, lack of monitoring and easy question papers inflated pass percentage to above 95% in most universities.

Professors say many write exams in groups and form WhatsApp groups to share answers. “Universities and colleges lack infrastructure to conduct online exams. It needs investment to develop software,” a city college principal said.

Another principal said around 60% of the college’s students were from rural areas. “It is not possible to monitor them through mobile phone cameras as connections are poor. We have asked them to mail answer scripts after writing in pen and paper mode.”

Anna University is the only institution to conduct an online test with invigilators and artificial intelligence tools monitoring students. Last semester, the proctored test was successfully taken by more than 90% of students.

University of Madras also tried to develop a software and platform for online exams, but many students complained they didn’t internet connectivity. “So, we had to relax the rules,” said vice-chancellor S Gowri.

Loyola College is conducting exams through virtual platforms with three layers of monitoring. “There will be an invigilator for every 25 students and a supervisor for every five invigilators,” said principal Thomas Amirtham.

Trichy-based Bharathidasan University is discussing ways to improve monitoring mechanism. “We have learned from from conducting online semester exams last time. We are discussing making minor changes and a decision would be taken in another few days,” said M Selvam, VC.

Some senior academicians propose holding online tests at colleges near students’ residences to avoid malpractices.

(with inputs from K Sambath Kumar in Trichy)

CLOSE WATCH : Professors said many students form WhatsApp groups and share answer for test questions